Could 3rd DFA bring pitcher back to Reds after Twins latest roster move?

Former Reds pitcher Daniel Duarte must feel like a ping pong ball this winter.

If there are no other interested parties for Daniel Duarte, the Cincinnati Reds should willingly reacquire him. Duarte was once again assigned for the third time in under a month. Following the acquisition of Carlos Santana, Jay Jackson, and Zach Weiss on Wednesday, the Twins executed a series of similar maneuvers to organize their 40-man roster.

One of the individuals who was affected by the reductions was Duarte. The Twins additionally designated for assignment (DFA’d) Bubba Thompson, who has been released for the third time this offseason. Although the Reds roster is adequately stocked with outfielders, it is always advantageous to have a plenty of pitching talent. If Duarte successfully clears waivers on this occasion, Cincinnati ought to re-contract the right-handed pitcher with a minor-league agreement, accompanied by an invitation to participate in spring training.

While Cincinnati has made commendable efforts to enhance the relief corps by acquiring talented pitchers such as Brent Suter, Nick Martinez, and Emilio Pagán, the team would still appreciate any further additions to strengthen their bullpen.

Could 3rd DFA bring Daniel Duarte back to Reds after Twins latest roster move?

In the 2021–22 offseason, Duarte was first brought up to the Reds 40-man roster to keep him out of the 2021 Rule 5 Draft. After a brief appearance on The Show in April 2022, he missed the remainder of his rookie season due to an injury.

The next winter, Duarte was released from his position but later signed a minor-league contract. Duarte made 31 appearances out of the Cincinnati bullpen before his contract was picked last summer after he diligently worked his way back.

Duarte pitched 31.2 innings and had a 3.69 ERA, striking out 23 batters. Following Suter’s signing earlier this winter, Duarte was moved to the Texas Rangers. After Texas was compelled to make a matching move due to the Rangers’ roster crunch, he eventually arrived in Minnesota.

There are some alarming statistics about Duarte. For a first-year reliever, Duarte’s ERA was really excellent, but his 5.84 FIP indicates he had more luck than skill. Neither was it as though he was blowing heat by opposition batters, with 6.54 strikeouts per nine innings. When you consider that Duarte has a 14.7% walk rate, it makes sense why other clubs have fired him so quickly in the last month.

Duarte’s ability to keep the ball on the ground, meanwhile, is something that is always valued when he pitches in Great American Ball Park. In the major leagues last season, Duarte had a 50% ground ball percentage; when pitching in Triple-A Louisville, he even saw it rise to 51.8%.

By bringing Daniel Duarte back into the fold and giving him a chance to earn a job in the bullpen, the Cincinnati Reds are taking no risks at all. On Opening Day, Justin Bruihl, Tony Santillan, and Jacob Heatherly will also try to slip past the Reds bullpen.